Venture into the icy, thrilling world of Arctic Shorts, where Greenland’s stark beauty and gripping crime mysteries collide! Christoffer Petersen’s Arctic Shorts series follows Constable David Maratse, a stoic yet deeply dedicated police officer navigating murder, tradition, and survival in the Arctic’s unforgiving landscape. With Jack London-inspired prose and rich Greenlandic cultural details, these novellas offer a unique blend of noir and adventure that captivates readers craving something fresh and atmospheric.
Each story, spanning 60–80 pages, delivers a punchy, standalone tale packed with suspense and heart. Whether you’re drawn to tales of justice or the allure of a remote, frozen world, Arctic Shorts promises a literary journey unlike any other.
How Arctic Shorts Began
Christoffer Petersen, a Danish author with a Master of Arts in Professional Writing, spent seven years living in Greenland, including time teaching at the Greenland Police Academy. This immersive experience inspired the Arctic Shorts series, which began in 2017 with Katabatic. Petersen’s deep connection to Greenland’s people, culture, and environment shapes every page, blending authentic details with compelling crime narratives. His goal? To craft short, evocative stories that showcase Maratse’s early career while celebrating the Arctic’s rugged charm.
The Heart of Arctic Shorts
The series kicks off with Katabatic, where Constable David Maratse pursues a hunter who killed his brother in a bar fight, racing against time to prevent another tragedy. In Container, Maratse investigates a chilling call from inside a shipping container as Greenland’s long summer begins. Tupilaq sees him enlisting a shaman’s help to find a lost child under the dark winter sun, while Qivittoq explores a stolen Greenlandic costume pattern threatening community harmony.
Petersen’s novellas weave themes of justice, shame, and resilience, set against Greenland’s stark, isolating landscape. Maratse, a man of few words but profound actions, embodies Greenlandic values—protecting his community while respecting its traditions. The prose, gritty yet poetic, paints vivid scenes of icy waters, howling winds, and polar bear encounters, making the setting a character in itself. Fans praise the series for its cultural depth and Maratse’s relatable, understated heroism.
Why Arctic Shorts Resonates
Arctic Shorts has carved a niche in Scandinavian crime fiction, offering a fresh perspective through its Greenlandic lens. Readers on platforms like Goodreads laud its ability to evoke emotion and immerse them in a world both foreign and relatable. Petersen’s authentic portrayal of Greenlandic life—rooted in his years living there—sets the series apart, appealing to fans of Nordic noir and adventure alike. Its compact novella format also makes it perfect for readers seeking quick yet impactful stories.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its blend of cultural insight and universal themes. Maratse’s quiet determination and the Arctic’s raw beauty resonate, inviting readers to reflect on community, survival, and justice in extreme settings. As Petersen continues to expand his Greenlandic universe, Arctic Shorts remains a hidden gem for mystery lovers.
- Publication Years: 2017–present
- Number of Books: Over 20 novellas, including Katabatic, Container, and Inuk
- Setting: Greenland, focusing on its culture and environment
Ready to brave the Arctic’s mysteries? Grab Katabatic and dive into the chilling, captivating world of Arctic Shorts today!